Executive Director 

Miriam Larson became executive director of the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center in January 2020. Previously, she worked as an elementary school librarian in the Champaign Schools. She has worked as a labor union organizer, a community technology specialist, a children's book reviewer, and a human statue. She also plays flute with several local and traveling bands including the Mean Lids.

Program Coordinator

Ty Lewis is a native Houstonian and moved to Urbana to obtain her Master’s Degree in Dance from UIUC in 2020. While completing her degree, a course brought her to the IMC in the spring of 2022. She eventually became an intern in the fall of 2022 and went on to present her choreographic thesis, Embodied Chronicles, at the IMC in the spring of 2023. During her time at the IMC, she fell in love with the community and wanted to be a part of nurturing it. Ty came on as the IMC’s Program Coordinator in 2024. She has a passion for supporting, planning, collaborating, and cultivating events for the community. Alongside her love and research in dance, choreography, and somatic practices, Ty also enjoys crafting, gardening, hiking, jam sessions, and cycling.

If you have questions about event booking, co-sponsorships, or UCIMC memberships, contact Ty at [email protected]. 

Administrative Associate 

Levelta Jenkins is a native New Mexican. She grew up in Hagerman, NM. After
graduating high school, she enlisted the U.S. Army and served three years as a Military
Police Officer. After her discharge she moved to San Antonio, Texas and then to the
northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois where her son and daughter grew up. She
graduated from Roosevelt University with a B.S.B.A in Accounting and worked as a
construction and property accountant. In 1999 she relocated to Champaign Illinois
where she was employed as a Resource and Policy Analyst for the University of Illinois
in the Technology Management Department.

In 2004 she and her husband relocated to New Mexico. After moving to Carlsbad, she was employed as a tax accountant for a local accounting firm for 18 months prior to being employed by Yates Petroleum for a little over 8 years as a Senior Income Tax Accountant. Ms. Jenkins then worked for the City of Carlsbad New Mexico as the Assistant Treasurer retiring from her position in April of 2022. She became the Executive Director of Carlsbad Transitional Housing and Homeless Shelter in April 2022 and retired in June 2025. She was active in her church, serving on the church council and supervising the church’s finances. She volunteered as a District/Site Coordinator with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide for 7 years. Prior to that she was a Site Coordinator with TaxHelp New Mexico for 12 years. She was on the board of her local AARP Chapter, serving as the treasurer and was on the AARP New Mexico Executive Council.

If you have questions about memberships, keys, working groups, or finances, contact Levelta at [email protected]. 

Audio Coordinator & Maintenance Specialist

DJ BJ Clark attended Presentation College in South Dakota on a soccer scholarship followed by Northern State University also in South Dakota. After moving to Urbana, IL in 2008, he grew his DJ business, and in 2013, he became the Station Manager of 104.5FM WRFU. DJ BJ has helped bring local artists to the community by playing their music and interviewing them on his radio show, The Afterwork Drive Show featured on WRFU on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm. In 2021, DJ BJ became the Venue Coordinator for the UCIMC.

If you have questions about sound engineering, performance production, or facilities, you can contact DJBJ at [email protected].